Keywords: Special Olympics, what not to say, Barack Obama, Black president, first Black president, multicultural misstep, "Tonight Show", people with disabilities, disability, bowling
DiversityInc's article on how to save face after making an insulting comment drew a lot of reader comments. Many agree that President Obama's intention was not to insult anyone--but some see this as an opportunity to bring greater awareness to the contributions of people with developmental disabilities. (Click here to read the article.)
Below is one reader's unedited comment:
Message:
"I like Barack Obama. I voted for him. I'm proud to call him our President. He is doing the best he can given the mess he inherited. HOWEVER: he displayed his insensitivity and ignorance toward a segment of our population that needs our attention and support. The intellectually and physically disabled people of our nation are no less important than are any other minority in our society. They matter, and we cannot afford to allow any segment of our population to be the butt of a joke, no matter how innocent it may appear on the surface. No member of the Kennedy family would ever make a joke like this; it's just too close to home for them. It should be too close to home for all of us; we cannot afford to make this kind of joke President Obama - but I forgive you. Please bring awareness to this topic, however. Thank you!" -- G.B.
Response from DiversityInc Copy Chief Robyn Heller Gerbush:
You're absolutely right that the Kennedys would not make a joke like this; Eunice Kennedy Shriver is the founder of the Special Olympics. Something I didn't see mentioned in the press coverage of Thursday night's "Tonight Show" gaffe is the fact that aside from being offensive, the comment buys into a common misconception--that the Special Olympics are for people with developmental disabilities to feel good about themselves while they fool around in some kind of pseudo-sporting arena and their parents can be happy that "at least they're making friends."
The fact is many Special Olympians are athletes. A quick web search for a Special Olympics bowling score turned up a man in Kentucky with a 299 game--more than double Obama's score. (Click here to read the article.)
The media didn't attempt to dispel the myth and instead concentrated on "Everyone makes mistakes." We should take this opportunity to do a web search for "Special Olympics bowling record" and learn WHY it is a myth. We should address the false assumptions; otherwise, we almost look like we agree with them.
Click here to read "6 Workplace Myths About People With Disabilities."
Click here to read "'But You Look So Good!' and 7 Other Things NOT to Say to a Person With a Non-Visible Disability."
Click here to read "Want to Reach a Trillion-Dollar Market? Don't Ignore People With Disabilities."
The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the e-mail writer and of DiversityInc Copy Chief Robyn Heller Gerbush.
Readers' Comments
President Obama has shown a graciousness towards political opponents and others. Therefore, I do not believe he meant any harm in comparing his poor bowling skills to someone in the Special Olympics. However, by his poor choice of words, I see a blessing. He has heighten aware of the Special Olympics and the people involved who have overcome disbilities and other life challenges to still accomplish positive things. Let's turn this negative into a positive.
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